Sandbanks is a place that is known for its affluent community and stunning beach but what are its restaurants like?

There are a few spots where people can grab a bite to eat in the neighbourhood as well as just across the water in Studland which can be accessed in a short ferry trip.

Here are a few of the best-rated spots in and around Sandbanks according to Tripadvisor and Google Review ratings.

5 of the best restaurants in and around Sandbanks

Lazy Jacks Restaurant and Bar

Address: 30-32 Panorama Road, Sandbanks, Poole BH13 7RD

Rating: 4.5/5 (from 102 Tripadvisor reviews) and 4.4/5 (from 299 Google Reviews)

After closing in November 2023 Lazy Jacks was reopened in March earlier this year after undergoing a full refurbishment.

It sells itself as "a stylish and relaxed bar and restaurant" with waterside views of the Sandbanks Peninsula.

In terms of food, it specialises in hand-stretched sourdough Neapolitan pizza and daily seafood specials.

One reviewer wrote: "Delicious lunch of chicken Caesar. The best I've eaten. Elegant relaxed setting with good service. We came by Lazyjacks whilst on holiday and enjoyed a lovely lazy lunch. great find - thank you."

Rick Stein, Sandbanks

Rick Stein's Sandbanks restaurant offers views out to sea and well-received seafoodRick Stein's Sandbanks restaurant offers views out to the water and well-received seafood (Image: Rick Stein/Tripadvisor)

Address: 10-14 Banks Road, Sandbanks, Poole BH13 7QB

Rating: 4/5 (from 3,663 Tripadvisor reviews) and 4.4/5 (from 2,723 Google Reviews)

Restauranteur Rick Stein's Sandbanks establishment could be a great spot to grab some lunch or dinner in the area.

On its website, it says: "Our Sandbanks restaurant is the perfect spot to enjoy classically prepared fish and shellfish in a relaxing environment with the most special views of Poole Harbour and Brownsea Island."

Alongside that, you can enjoy a more casual seafood meal in their bar area which also offers a wide range of cocktails and drinks.

One reviewer wrote: "The beautiful setting, harbour view, and decor were striking. My husband’s cod and chips did not disappoint, and it was a nice touch that the restaurant pledged to donate a meal to a child in need for each order of fish and chips purchased.

"I was impressed by the vegetarian menu, which had been carefully composed. Finally, the staff were welcoming and accommodating of our child, allowing us to combine a family outing with a special dinner."

The Tandy Sandbanks

The Tandy offers a number of eclectic seasonal offeringsThe Tandy offers a number of eclectic seasonal offerings (Image: The Tandy/Tripadvisor)

Address: 8 Banks Road, Sandbanks, Poole BH13 7QB

Rating: 4/5 (from 80 Tripadvisor reviews and 4.1/5 (from 128 Google Reviews)

Another well-received restaurant found on Banks Road is The Tandy which can be found a short distance from Sandbanks beach.

On its website, it says: "The Tandy invites you to indulge in our eclectic seasonal offerings of small plates, artisan pizzas and A la carte bistronomic menu, created with exquisite flavours and healthy ingredients."

One reviewer posted: "We enjoyed an incredibly lovely evening at the Tandy, enjoying their fantastic steak and wine night.

"The ribeye was delicious and the house wine suitably tasty. Incredible value for money and the ambience set the mood for a very romantic evening."

The Haven Ferry Cafe

The Haven Ferry Cafe has earned praise for its breakfast and coffeeThe Haven Ferry Cafe has earned praise for its breakfast and coffee (Image: Tripadvisor)

Address: 165 Banks Road, Sandbanks, Poole BH13 7QJ

Rating: 4.5/5 (from 215 Tripadvisor reviews) and 4.4/5 (from 325 Google Reviews)

If you're looking to enjoy some breakfast or lunch or grab a coffee then The Haven Ferry Cafe might be the place to go.

Their website states they are very proud of their "freshly prepared food, great coffee and friendly staff".

One reviewer wrote: "We have passed by this cafe many times before when we have been in Sandbanks. Definitely our loss!

"We enjoyed perfectly cooked food from the very extensive menu. Very reasonably priced too. Great service and friendly staff. We will definitely drop by again when we are next in the area."

Recommended reading:

Shell Bay Seafood Restaurant

Address: Ferry Road, Studland, Swanage BH19 3BA

Rating: 4/5 (from 1,446 Tripadvisor reviews) and 4.4/5 (from 945 Google Reviews)

You'll need to take a short ferry from Sandbanks to get to this one, but this Michelin restaurant will likely be worth it.

The restaurant has "glorious outdoor dining areas" which their website says are "ideal spots for a lovely sunset on warm evenings".

It adds: "If you are passing, we have a fantastic a la carte menu packed with fresh, local seafood and produce from the surrounding areas."

One reviewer wrote: "Absolutely fantastic lunch for family birthday. The food was amazing. Rosie looked after our whole group impeccably. This all added up to a memorable occasion."

Another shared: "Just had a wonderful lunch at the Shell Bay restaurant. This was our first visit and we will certainly be returning. Food was excellent, as was the friendly service. Coffee was incredible!

"Even with the rain the view over Poole harbour to Brownsea Island was spectacular."